Optical signal switching apparatus

ABSTRACT

An optical signal switching apparatus that maintains an optical switch to a specified state even when noise is generated during the turning on and/or off of power to an optical switch control unit which controls the optical switch. The optical switch control unit includes an optical switch driving unit, a power supply and a power supply surveillance unit. When a specified condition of the power supply is not satisfied, a control signal is generated by the power supply surveillance unit. Upon detection of the control signal the optical switch driving unit, fixes the state of the optical switch to a previously set state without regard to the input to the optical switch driving unit.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/182,441, filed Oct.,30, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,932.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical signal switching apparatususing an optical switch that is used with optical communicationequipment, etc. More specifically, the present invention relates to anoptical signal switching apparatus that suppresses an incorrect actionof the optical switch at the time of power on and/or power off.

Following speed-up and capacity increase of information transmission inrecent years, an optical fiber network using an optical fiber andvarious optical devices has been introduced. The range of applicationsof the optical fiber network extends from the public communicationnetworks to local area networks. An optical signal switching apparatusis one of the equipment used to realize an optical fiber network. Anoptical signal switching apparatus does not need to convert an opticalsignal into an electric signal which is switched to various routes,based on the converted electrical signal, in order to perform theswitching function. Therefore, the construction of the optical fibernetwork becomes simple. Thus, the optical signal switching apparatusaids in realizing miniaturization and economization of the network.

There has been proposed for example, an optical cross connectionequipment as an optical signal switching apparatus. An optical crossconnection equipment is described in the “Photonics In Switching”,Technical Digest PTHA5 1997 for example.

The optical signal switching apparatus generally includes an opticalswitch and an optical switch control unit. The optical switch is the keydevice of the optical signal switching apparatus. The use of a selfholding type optical switch as the optical switch offers advantages dueto its low consumption of electric power. The self holding type opticalswitch is an optical switch that maintain the state of the switchwithout the use of an electric power supply by using a permanent magnet,etc.

The structure of an optical signal switching apparatus is illustrated inFIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates that an optical switch control unit includesan optical switch driving unit and a power supply which supplieselectric power to the optical switch driving unit. The optical switchdriving unit generates a optical switch driving signal to drive theoptical switch when an optical switch switching signal is detected. Theoptical switch driving unit transmits the optical drive signal to theoptical switch. In FIG. 1, the optical inputs and optical outputs thatare switched by the optical switch are omitted. A related optical signalswitching apparatus is disclosed in Japan patent 2654437.

However the optical switch control unit described above does not takeinto consideration the noise that is originated in and generated by theturning on and/or off of power by the power supply. Therefore, it iseasy for incorrect operation to occur at such times. More specifically,the noise originating in and generated by the tuning on and/or off ofpower by the power supply can possibly change the state of the opticalswitch that is being held.

The incorrect operation of the optical switch can result in the of lossnot only large amounts of information but also has the possibility ofinducing damage and a incorrect operation of other optical devices. Forexample, in a case where an optical switch is used with respect to aworking system and a redundant system for protecting the working system,high reliability of the optical switch is required. It is essential thateven when the electric power supply to the optical switch driving unitis interrupted, the optical switch should be maintained to thepreviously set state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical signalswitching apparatus that can maintain the state of an optical switch toa predetermined state at the time of turning on and/or off the powersupply and at the time of output abnormality.

According to the present invention, the purpose of the above can berealized in an optical switch control unit with the following functions.The power state of the power supply of the optical switch control unitis supervised. When a predetermined condition of the output voltage ofthe power supply is satisfied, the optical switch driving unit is placedin an operation state. When the predetermined condition of the outputvoltage of the power supply is not satisfied, the optical switch drivingunit is placed in a halt state. The operation state is a state wherewhen an optical switch switching signal is input into the optical switchdriving unit, an optical switch driving signal according to the opticalswitch switching signal is generated. The halt state is a state whereeven if an optical switch switching signal is input into the opticalswitch driving unit an optical switch driving signal is not generated.

The optical switch control unit includes an optical switch driving unit,a power supply which provides electrical power to the optical switchdriving unit and a power supply surveillance unit which monitors theoutput voltage of the power supply and outputs a control signal to theoptical switch driving unit. When the predetermined condition for theoutput voltage of the power supply is not satisfied, the control signalis generated. Detection of the control signal by the optical switchdriving unit places the optical switch driving unit in the halt state.

According to the present invention, the purpose of the above is achievedby having an optical signal control unit and a self holding type opticalswitch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The scope of the present invention will be apparent from the followingdetailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, and such detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way ofillustration only, since various changes and modifications within thespirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilledin the art from this detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a related technique of the optical signal switchingapparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the opticalsignal switching apparatus according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate state transition diagrams of the elements of theoptical switch control unit according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate schematic diagrams of other embodiments of theoptical signal switching apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As follows, the various figures are referred to, and preferredembodiments are explained. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of anembodiment of the optical signal switching apparatus according to thepresent invention. In FIG. 2, an optical switch control unit 1-1includes an optical switch driving unit 2-1, a power supply 3-1 whichprovides electricity to the optical switch driving unit 2-1 and a powersupply surveillance unit 4-1 which outputs a control signal 6-1 tooptical switch driving unit 2-1 according to the output voltage of thepower supply.

As for the power supply surveillance unit 4-1, it is necessary that anoperating voltage range of the power supply surveillance unit 4-1 bebroader than a operating voltage range of the optical switch drivingunit 2-1. In addition, it is essential to output the control signal 6-1in advance prior to the optical switch driving unit 2-1 entering theoperation instability region at the time of power on and/or off for thepower supply surveillance unit 4-1. When power supply 3-1 does notsatisfy a predetermined condition, and such is detected by the powersupply surveillance unit 4-1, the control signal 6-1 generated by thepower supply surveillance unit 4-1 places the optical switch drivingunit 2-1 in a halt state.

In the optical switch control unit 1-1 of the present invention, thepower supply surveillance unit 4-1 supervises power output fluctuation.When the output power of the power supply 3-1 is outside thepredetermined power output range, the power supply surveillance unit 4-1generates the control signal 6-1, and places the optical switch drivingunit 2-1 in a halt state. Therefore, even when noise that follows poweron and/or off occurs, the state of the optical switch can be maintainedto the specified state.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate state transition diagrams of the elements of theoptical switch control unit 1-1 according to the present invention. Whenelectric power is turned off, and the output of the power supply 3-1 isoutside of the predetermined range, such is indicated as “#” in FIG. 3A.As illustrated in FIG. 3B, before the power voltage reaches an unstablezone, the control signal 6-1 transitions into the on state. Therefore,as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the optical switch driving unit 2-1 inresponse to the control signal 6-1, when the control signal 6-1 is inthe ON state, transitions into a halt state.

To the contrary, as indicated at “*” in FIG. 3A, when the power supply3-1 is turned on, the control signal 6-1 output by the power supplysurveillance unit 4-1 which has lower operation voltage, is generatedfirst. When output of the power supply 3-1 is within the specifiedrange, the control signal 6-1 changes into an off state. When output ofthe power supply 3-1 is outside the predetermined range, the controlsignal 6-1 falls. FIG. 3C illustrates that the optical switch drivingunit 2-1, in response to the fall of the control signal 6-1, transitionsinto an operation state. Wherein the power supply 3-1 is turned off, thecontrol signal 6-1 is also turned off. This is because there is noelectric power being supplied to the power supply surveillance unit 4-1which generates the control signal 6-1. Such is illustratedschematically in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of anoptical signal switching apparatus according to the present invention.In FIG. 4, the photo switch control unit 1-2 includes an optical switchdriving unit 2-2, a power supply 3-2 that supplies electric power to theoptical switch driving unit 2-2 and a power supply surveillance unit4-2. The optical switch driving unit 2-2 includes gate circuits 9-1 and9-2 and buffer circuits 10-1 and 10-2. The optical switch control unit1-2 controls the switching of the optical switch 8-2 by sending eitheran optical switch switching signal 5-2 or an optical switch switchingsignal 5-3 to the optical switch driving unit 2-2.

The power supply surveillance unit 4-2 compares the output voltage ofthe power supply 3-2 and a reference voltage by a comparator and outputsa control signal 6-2 as the comparison result. The gate circuits 9-1 and9-2 are able to select, based on the control signal 6-2, either a normalworking state which causes specified signal processing corresponding toan input signal or a halt state which holds a predetermined outputirrespective of any input signal.

When the output of power supply 3-2 is outside the predetermined range,the control signal 6-2 of the power supply surveillance unit 4-2 isinput into gate circuits 9-1 and 9-2. As a result, the optical switchcontrol unit 2-1 transitions into the halt state, wherein outputs 7-2and 7-3 are fixed against any input signal. When the output power of thepower supply 3-2 is within the predetermined range, the optical switchcontrol unit 2-1 transitions into the normal state, wherein specifiedprocessing is performed corresponding to an input signal.

Therefore, as for the photo switch control unit 1-2, when the outputpower is turned on or off, the output power is outside the predeterminedrange causing the photo switch control unit 1-2 to transition to thehalt state. Therefore, even when noise that occurs following the turningon or off of the output power of the power supply 3-2, the opticalswitch can maintain the state set previously. Even if the power supplysurveillance unit 4-2 is supplied with power from outside or inside ofthe photo switch control unit 1-2, the unique effect of the presentinvention is likewise achieved in the same manner.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an optical signal switchingapparatus according to the present invention. Specifically FIG. 5illustrates the structure of the optical switch control unit of FIGS. 2and 4.

As per FIG. 5, the optical switch control unit 1-3 performs theswitching control of photo switch 8-3 by sending either an opticalswitch switching signals 5-4 or 5-5 to the optical switch driving unit2-3. The optical switch driving unit 2-3 includes gate circuits 9-3 and9-4 which have tri-state invertors INV1 and INV2 and pull down resistorsRP1 and RP2, and a buffer circuit which includes resistors R1 and R2 andtransistors TR1 and TR2.

In case either optical switch switching signal 5-4 or 5-5 is input intooptical switch driving unit 2-3, an electric potential difference isgenerated in the collector of transistors TR1 and TR2. As for photoswitch 8-3, application of this electric potential difference changesits state. The power supply surveillance unit 4-3 generates a standardvoltage by a constant voltage diode and a resistor compares the standardvoltage and output voltage of the power supply 3-3 by use of acomparator which outputs a comparison result to gate circuits 9-3 and9-4 as a control signal. The standard voltage is set at the lowest powervoltage possible, for example, wherein the optical switch driving unitstill operates normally.

According to the present embodiment, output of the power supplysurveillance unit 4-3 is input into gate circuits 9-3 and 9-4 of opticalswitch driving unit 2-3 as control signal 6-3. When the output powerfrom power supply 3-3 is outside of the predetermined range wherein theoptical switch driving unit 2-3 can normally operate, output of thetri-state inverters of gate circuits 9-3 and 9-4 transition forcibly tohigh impedance simultaneously. Thus, the output of gate circuits 9-3 and9-4 are fixed to the low level simultaneously by pull down resistancesRP1 and RP2. Transistors TR1 and TR2 of buffer circuits 10-3 and 10-4turn off simultaneously by the fixed low level output of gate circuits9-3 and 9-4. As a result, the output of buffer circuits 10-3 and 10-4are fixed to a high level simultaneously.

Therefore, control signal 6-3 places the optical switch driving unit 2-3in a halt state at the time of power on or off. When the optical switchdriving unit 2-3 is placed in the halt state, an electric potentialdifference is not generated between the collectors of transistors TR1and TR2. Therefore, the optical switch does not change to a state fromthat previously set. If the output voltage of the power supply 3-3exceeds the standard voltage, the outputs of tri-state invertors INV1and INV2 of gate circuits 9-3 and 9-4 are released from the highimpedance state and the specified signal processing corresponding to aninput signal is enabled. The standard voltage of the power supplysurveillance unit 4-3 can be supplied from outside of optical switchcontrol unit 1-3.

As for the effect of the present invention, it is clear that it is notlimited to the circuit illustrated in FIG. 5. Each gate circuit can becomposed of 3 state inverters and pull down resistors as illustrated orflip-flops or mono-stable multi-vibrators, etc with the function ofreset or presetting. However, use of such elements would still allow thepresent invention to operate the same.

In the above embodiment, the optical switch control unit includes thepower supply. However, even when electric power is supplied from anexternal power supply, the unique effects of the present invention asdescribed above are still gained.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an optical signal switchingapparatus according to the present invention. A case where an opticalswitch control unit according to the present invention is applied tooptical cross connect equipment is explained.

As per FIG. 6, an optical cross connect equipment 11 includes an opticalswitch unit 13 which has a plurality of self-holding type opticalswitches, an optical switch driving unit 2-4 which has a plurality ofswitch driving units for driving respective optical switches of theoptical switch unit 13, a power supply 3-4 which provides electricalpower to the optical switch driving unit 2-4, a power supplysurveillance unit 4-4 and an optical switch control unit 12 whichcontrols the optical switch unit 13 through the optical switch drivingunit 2-4.

The output of power supply 3-4 is supervised in power supplysurveillance unit 4-4, and a surveillance signal is sent to all switchdriving units of the optical switch driving unit 2-4 as control signal6-4. When control signal 6-4 indicates that the output of the powersupply 3-4 is outside of the predetermined range, the switch drivingunits of the optical switch driving unit 2-4 are transitioned to a haltstate. When control signal 6-4 indicates that the output of power supply3-4 is within the predetermined range, the switch driving units of theoptical switch driving unit 2-4 are transitioned to an operation state.

If the output voltage of the power supply 3-4 is outside of thepredetermined range, the power supply surveillance unit places theswitch driving units in a halt state in this embodiment. When a switchdriving unit is in a halt state, a signal that drives a optical switchis not output even if a photo switch drive circuit becomes unstable,following power on or off. Therefore, the previously set path of theoptical signal of the optical switch unit is maintained. The opticalswitch unit 13 can be composed only of optical switches of a selfholding type. For example, a photo switch of a self holding type hasonly to be used for the part that also wants to maintain an opticalsignal path at the time of power abnormality.

The present invention is not limited to optical cross connect equipment,and it is possible also to apply the present invention to other opticalsignal switching devices with optical switches. As for the opticalswitch to which an optical switch control unit according to the presentinvention is applied, for example, even a photo switch of 2 outputs and1 input is acceptable, and even a photo switch of plural outputs andplural inputs is acceptable.

As described above, in the present invention, if the power supplysurveillance unit, which is included in the optical control unit whichcontrols the self holding type optical switches, detects that the outputvoltage is outside of the predetermined range, the power supplysurveillance unit places the optical switch driving unit in a haltstate. As a result when the noise that follows power on or off occurs,maintaining the state of the optical switch to a previously set isenabled, and an optical signal switching apparatus that is highreliability can be realized.

While the present invention has been described in detail and pictoriallyin the accompanying drawings, it is not limited to such details sincemany changes and modification recognizable to these of ordinary skill inthe art may be made to the invention without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would beobvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within thescope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An optical signal switch driving apparatus comprising: anoptical switch driving unit which drives an optical switch; a powersupply which provides electric power to the optical switch driving unit;and a power supply surveillance unit which monitors output voltage ofthe power supply and provides a control signal to said optical switchdriving unit based on the output voltage of the power supply to controloperation of said optical switch driving unit.
 2. An optical signalswitching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said optical switchdriving unit comprises: a gate circuit, responsive to said controlsignal, which selects between an operation state which allows processesto be performed corresponding to an input signal and a halt state whichfixes an output of said optical switch corresponding to any inputsignal.
 3. An optical signal switching apparatus according to claim 1,wherein when the output voltage of said power supply is outside of apredetermined range, said power supply surveillance unit outputs acontrol signal which fixes an output of said optical switch driving unitindependent of an input to said optical switch driving unit.
 4. Anoptical signal switching apparatus according to claim 2, wherein whenthe output voltage of said power supply is outside of a predeterminedrange, said power supply surveillance unit outputs a control signalwhich fixes an output of said optical switch driving unit independent ofan input to said optical switch driving unit.
 5. An optical signalswitching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when said power supplystarts supplying electric power, said power supply surveillance unitoutputs a control signal which fixes an output of said optical switchdriving unit independent of an input of said optical switch drivingunit.
 6. An optical signal switching apparatus according to claim 2,wherein when said power supply starts supplying electric power, saidpower supply surveillance unit outputs a control signal which fixes anoutput of said optical switch driving unit independent of an input ofsaid optical switch driving unit.
 7. An optical signal switchingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said optical switch is a selfholding type.
 8. An optical signal switching apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein said optical switch is a self holding type.
 9. In anoptical signal switch driving apparatus including an optical switchdriving unit which drives an optical switch, and a power supply whichprovides electric power to the optical switch driving unit, a method ofcontrolling operation of said optical switch driving unit comprising:monitoring output voltage of said power supply; and providing a controlsignal to said optical switch driving unit based on the output voltageof the power supply to control operation of said optical switch drivingunit.
 10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising: responsiveto said control signal, selecting between an operation state whichallows processes to be performed corresponding to an input signal and ahalt state which fixes an output of said optical switch corresponding toany input signal.
 11. A method according to claim 9, further comprising:when the output voltage of said power supply is outside of apredetermined range, fixing by said control signal an output of saidoptical switch driving unit independent of an input to said opticalswitch driving unit.
 12. A method according to claim 9, furthercomprising: when said power supply starts supplying electric power,fixing by said control signal an output of said optical switch drivingunit independent of an input of said optical switch driving unit.
 13. Amethod according to claim 10, further comprising: when said power supplystarts supplying electric power, fixing by said control signal an outputof said optical switch driving unit independent of an input of saidoptical switch driving unit.
 14. A method according to claim 9, whereinsaid optical switch is a self holding type.
 15. A method according toclaim 10, wherein said optical switch is a self holding type.